North East leaders offer advice ahead of so called Freedom Day
“A slow and steady approach is the safest option.”
That is the advice from North East political leaders as the country prepares to regain its freedom.
Boris Johnson confirmed at a press conference on Monday that England would be moving to the fourth and final stage of his roadmap out of lockdown next week.
On Tuesday, a joint statement was released by leaders representing the Local Authority 7 councils of Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham.
In it they urged people to be careful enjoying their new found freedom, warning that “Covid-19 is here to stay.”
They said: “We must also be cautious in how we make the most of the relaxed restrictions. A slow and steady approach is the safest option.”
This includes continuing to wear masks on public transport, maintaining good hand hygiene and regularly taking lateral flow tests and self-isolating if required.
North East residents should also allow fresh air to circulate indoors while spending time with others, they say, as well as limiting the number of people they come into contact with to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
They said that cases of the virus are “rapidly increasing” and that everyone has a part to play in keeping their communities safe.
The latest figures from PA Media show that South Tyneside continues to have the highest rate, with 2,091 new cases in the seven days to July 9 – the equivalent of 1,385.0 per 100,000 people.
Sunderland has the second highest rate, up from 643.5 to 949.9, with 2,638 new cases.
In the same time frame, Gateshead had 1,823 new cases or 902.2 per 100,000 people. Neighbouring Newcastle had 2,585 new cases – a rate of 853.6.
County Durham had 3,977 new cases – the equivalent of 750.2 per 100,000 people.
Meanwhile, North Tyneside had 1,520 new cases, or 731.1 per 100,000 people. Northumberland had 1,820 new cases – a rate of 564.5.
They said: “July 19 has been dubbed ‘Freedom Day’, however it is important to remember that we are still seeing a significant number of new cases every day and we need to continue to be cautious.
“This next phase of the Government’s response to the pandemic relies on a wall of immunity being built to protect the population, primarily through vaccinations. “
The leaders said that it is “essential” that everyone gets both doses of the vaccine pointing out that those that don’t are at risk.
Appointments are available through www.nhs.uk or at walk-in vaccination centres throughout the region.
They added: “Restrictions we have become accustomed to are about to be lifted, but we are not heading back to life as we knew it. We will need to continue to work together to carry on saving lives and protecting our communities.”